Harry Styles’ New Solo Single Confirms That He Does Indeed Have A Voice

There are two things people are likely to think upon hearing Harry Styles’ new solo single “Don’t Let Me Go.” The first possible thought, if you’re a Directioner, is “OH MY GOD OH MY GOD WHAT IF ONE DIRECTION IS BREAKING UP I MIGHT AS WELL JUST HAVE MY EARS REMOVED.” If you’re not a Directioner, but rather a casual listener of pop music, your first thought might be, “Wait, this Harry Styles guy has a voice?” Well, here’s a tidbit that will probably help you win at your next trivia night: Harry Styles has a voice. I know it sounds nuts, but it’s true. The song was just leaked online, and you can listen for yourself below.

I don’t know what I was expecting when I pressed play on the song, but when I suddenly heard a voice and I realized it supposedly belonged to Harry Styles, there was something kinda weird about it. I’ve come to various conclusions about this, and before we start I’ll admit that one conclusion is there’s something wrong with me, so there’s that. But on top of that, I’m so used to hearing Harry singing as part of a quintet of adorable boy-banders, and he can tend to get lost. And before you say anything, I know that he competed on The X Factorand that’s how he got into the band, but as a casual listener I haven’t seen much of those performances. Plus, I don’t think I’ve even heard much of Harry Styles’ speaking voice. He’s kind of like Kate Middleton in that way. When I hear him talk I’m like, “Whoa, what’s going on here? I’m supposed to just report on your life and admire your hair.” It’s a strange experience.

So Harry does have his own voice, and it’s a pretty good one. It’s not a particularly distinctive one, unfortunately, but I enjoy listening to it. The song is a tender piano ballad reminiscent of Billy Joel and Elton John and the like, proving he’s got a more mature musical range. So while there’s no definite sign he’s leaving the band (SO DON’T FREAK OUT YET DIRECTIONERS), there’s some promise there if he decides to embark on a solo career.

Harry wrote the song with friend Sam McCarthy, who tweeted thanks to those who like the tune and explained, “Harry did most of the words I did the music.” So not only does Harry have a voice; he’s also literate.